Associate Creative Director

Job Description

Job Description

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

At Vail Resorts, we know the impact the outdoors can have on someone. It can re-energize, motivate, and become a place filled with deep connections. We fully recognize how lucky we are to work in the outdoor space every day in hopes of inspiring others to get outside and discover what we call—the experience of a lifetime. We want your expertise as an Associate Creative Director to play a major role in making that happen. As Associate Creative Director - Brand Design, you will help shape the creative output across some of the most recognized brands in the mountain industry.

As part of our internal creative team, you will combine strategic thinking, exceptional design craft, and creative leadership to inspire teams and elevate the quality of work across every touchpoint. You will lead concept development, art direction, and creative execution for integrated campaigns while mentoring designers, art directors, and copywriters.

Most importantly, you're passionate about creating work that inspires people to get outside and discover the mountains. This role sits on the Creative Services Team and reports to the Creative Director.

Job Specifications: 

• Starting Wage: $100,000 - $120,000 + Annual Bonus 

• Employment Type: Year Round  

• Shift Type: Full Time 

• Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age  

• Housing Availability: No  

Job Responsibilities: 

• Lead concept development and creative execution across campaigns, seasonal initiatives, and brand activations.
• Transform business objectives and strategic briefs into compelling, insight-driven creative solutions.
• Partner with Creative Directors, Strategists, Account Managers, and Brand Marketing teams to deliver integrated campaigns that drive both brand and business impact.
• Champion innovative thinking that pushes brands forward while maintaining strategic alignment.
• Set the standard for visual quality, design craft, and art direction across all channels and touchpoints.
• Create and evolve design systems and campaign toolkits that scale across multiple brands and channels, understanding when and how to use AI tools in the creative process.
• Ensure brand consistency while continually evolving creative expression.
• Provide clear and actionable feedback that strengthens the work at every stage of development.
• Mentor and develop designers, art directors, copywriters, freelancers, and agency partners through creative direction, coaching, and constructive feedback.
• Help foster a culture of curiosity, collaboration, experimentation, and creative excellence.
• Partner with creative and account leadership on resource planning, team development, and creative process improvements.
• Promote an environment where diverse perspectives contribute to stronger creative solutions.
• Lead creative development for photography, video, and content productions from concept through final delivery.
• Guide the creation of mood boards, storyboards, shot lists, presentations, and visual narratives that bring ideas to life.
• Partner with photographers, directors, production teams, editors, and external vendors to execute best-in-class creative.
• Provide on-set creative leadership when needed to ensure the vision is realized at the highest level.
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders across marketing, resort operations, strategy, CRM, social, content, and brand leadership teams.
• Present creative work with confidence, clarity, and strategic rationale.
• Navigate feedback and align teams around creative solutions that balance business objectives with exceptional creative standards.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.
• Explore and integrate AI-enabled workflows, tools, and technologies that improve creative efficiency and output.
• Stay informed on emerging trends in design, advertising, culture, technology, and outdoor lifestyle marketing.
• Bring fresh inspiration and innovative thinking back to the team.

Job Requirements:  

• 8+ years of experience in art direction, brand design, advertising, creative marketing, or integrated campaign development.
• 2+ years of experience leading, mentoring, or managing creative teams.
• A portfolio demonstrating exceptional art direction, design excellence, and integrated campaign thinking.
• Strong conceptual abilities with a track record of creating breakthrough ideas that connect strategy to execution.
• Deep understanding of design systems, visual storytelling, typography, layout, photography, and digital experiences.
• Experience leading creative for integrated marketing campaigns across digital, social, email, CRM, video, experiential, OOH, and emerging channels.
• Experience art directing photo and video productions from pre-production through post.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and modern creative workflows.
• Experience utilizing AI-assisted creative tools and workflows is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Design, Fine Arts, Advertising, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $100,000 - $120,000 + Annual Bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment where employees living within 50 miles of the Broomfield office work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.  Employees living outside of a commutable distance can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., and the 16 U.S. states* in which we currently operate. This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion. 

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. 

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  517588
Reference Date: 09/16/2026 
Job Code Function: Creative & Design Services